The traffic congestion at the Carmen Junction-Bayambang-Manat road here is now eased as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the road widening.

In a statement Monday, DPWH Ilocos regional public information officer Esperanza Tinaza said one lane has been added on each side to increase the road’s capacity and accommodate the future volume of traffic.

The road’s lane was increased from two to four lanes.

“Pedestrian railings were installed to ensure safety on the footpath next to the road. Drainage works were also included to address recurrent flooding in the area,” she said.

The 4.42-kilometer road project has also improved the delivery of local farmers’ produce to business centers in the city and nearby towns, contributing to further socio-economic development, she added.

The project worth PHP22.5 million was funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2021.

Motorists have welcomed the completion of the project as it is beneficial to them.

“Dati umaga palang traffic na. Buti na lang lumuwag na yong kalsada, tamang-tama less traffic ‘pag magpasukan na sa eskwela (Before, there was already traffic congestion in the morning. It is good that the road was already widened, there would be less traffic in time for the resumption of classes),” said Joel Austria, a motorist from the nearby Malasiqui town, Pangasinan. (PNA)